My fieldwork experience at the Learning Zone (East Branch) Laura García Dr. Amaro Beep

Adjustment Period What should I expect? First two weeks were somewhat challenging, I needed to create a rapport with my student except I had a different student each time and shared my student until further adjustments were done by Minh the director. Elizabeth and I were paired up as tutors to work with Edwin, at first I thought it would be a challenge because we both have different styles of teaching and I didn’t know what to expect. It turned out to be great and I feel we both learned from each other. She was stronger in math and I at language arts we complimented each other and at the end our aim was help Edwin reach his potential in developing those important skills.

Getting to know my student and how to meet his needs I knew that I had to assess Edwin’s literacy development and proficiency as well as other content areas. As a surprise Edwin’s reading in both languages English and Spanish were at a proficient level. I noticed his language proficiency had lots to do with his literacy experiences at home. His mom read to him daily in Spanish and his dad who spoke little English and was learning from Ingles Sin Barreras helped him with his English reading. Parent Involvement is a great sign of a child's success no matter which language.

Continued As I worked with Edwin in his reading I tried using as many techniques as possible to develop new vocabulary. During our read aloud I would stop or stop him and do text talk, or would relate the word to a direct experience. I noticed he learned best through concrete demonstrations. For his vocabulary/spelling list I would dictate the word then he would repeat aloud and spell aloud as he was writing it down. Through repetition he would learn the correct spelling of the words. I would then use them in a sentence and then he’d write down a different sentence using the words. At the end I would quiz him and he would do great.

Developing Math Skills through Manipulative Math concepts can be demonstrated through use of concrete objects such as manipulative. Edwin knew and understood the basic concepts of addition, subtraction, fractions, patterning and so on. He had no problem. What he had problems with and I said had past tense, was in answering word problems. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand the concept. Instead he had a hard time understanding what the question requested him to find. Reworded by me always helped but he also learned to search for clues and rule out answers by himself. Manipulative reinforced what we had already worked on.

Playing Math Bingo! Guess who won? He had addition problems for homework and to reinforce those skills we played BINGO.

The structure in program Even though at the beginning of the semester I was in favor for our group to come up with our own ideas on how to develop a new program for Fridays, the current structure of the Learning Zone makes it so easy to stay on task. I enjoyed the way each category was broken up, enough time so the student doesn’t start to break down in tears. Edwin always looked forward to choosing a game and of course like he says “winning me”. Just for the record I didn’t let him win, he was so smart he actually won most all games on his own. Shame on me!

Learning through Play (Board Game) Game After each tutorial session we ended our day playing a game. Most of the time related to the content that was assigned to him by his teacher other times it was free choice. I feel that through these games Edwin improved his social skills as well as his communication skills which helps his learning and attitude towards learning as well. We created this feel in a very relaxed atmosphere where he knows he can joke and share personal anecdotes at any time.

Content Area Board Game Edwin won! Yeah!! I enjoyed putting together my board game, keeping Edwin in mind. I’ve learned in other classes that you should challenge the student’s mind and after playing it with Edwin and Elizabeth I saw that he was so engaged and willing to learn. He asked me to take it to our following session because he really liked it. Most all questions were a preview of what he might see on the TAKS.

Overall Learning Experience This learning experience has given me the opportunity to reflect and analyze the importance of becoming a teacher. Through one on one interaction with my student I feel that he depends on me even though it’s just for that one Wednesday. He also looks up to me, we’ve created such an awesome rapport that he shares his daily personal life with me and he also shares our sessions with his school teacher. All this in a nutshell means that becoming a teacher is more than just standing in front of the students lecturing without knowing them personally.

Hand in Hand We Can Make Education Better For Our Students

It means that all 22 little persons will be depending on me and so will the parents. In this short time I have learned about his strengths and weaknesses and with that have been able to come up with strategies that best work for him. I don’t know how long it will take me to learn this about my future students but I’m sure looking forward to it. I’ve also realized in working with a bilingual student for the first time that the program has to be right for the student. Edwin's program is transitional bilingual and I think he’s not struggling as much as other students because he has full parental support and involvement. When talking to his mother I realized she understood the education system and how to receive help from it. Who knows if within time my little Edwin will become monolingual, hopefully not but chances are that he will.

End Note I can’t believe how time flew by with a wink of an eye! I’ll miss Edwin and all his little friends. On our last official day I presented Edwin with a backpack full of supplies as well as a book which he’s been wanting from the book fair. He went around showing his friends with a great smile. He was so appreciative and he mentioned every use he could have with each item at home and at school. It was awesome to see him happy or should I say happier because he’s always smiling and has a positive attitude.

After Thought After careful thought and weighing options as to what program I’d like to work in I’ve decided that the two-way-immersion is where the student benefits the most and so will I. I’d like to see my students succeed in life and being biliterate and bilingual will heighten their chances of success. Thanks to this wonderful experience I have actually self analyzed and learned my limits and creativity and I’ve changed my mind regarding the grade level I’d like to teach. PK is still an option but I’ve seen how much more our older children need us future teachers. Thank you Dr. Amaro for providing us with challenges that in the end became great outcomes in our experiences !